Ranking the Games of the College Football Playoff, From Texas-Arizona State to Penn State-SMU
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has become one of the most highly anticipated events in American sports. Each year, fans are treated to thrilling matchups between the nation’s top teams, vying for a chance to compete for the national title. While the current four-team format has been at the center of much debate, the excitement and drama that come with these playoff games cannot be denied. As the CFP continues to grow in stature, the games that are played, even outside the four-team structure, provide excitement, unforgettable moments, and unforgettable memories.
In this article, we will rank some of the most thrilling and exciting games that have been part of the College Football Playoff landscape. From the top-notch performances to jaw-dropping plays, the games are often filled with adrenaline-pumping action that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. In particular, we will look at games ranging from Texas-Arizona State to Penn State-SMU, analyzing what made these games special.
1. Texas vs. Arizona State (CFP Semifinal, 2025)
The Texas Longhorns have a storied football program, and the team has often been in the mix for College Football Playoff contention. In 2025, they entered the CFP semifinal with a dominant season and expectations to compete for the national title. Their opponent, the Arizona State Sun Devils, had been on a hot streak, making for an exciting underdog story.
The game featured a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with Texas pulling away late thanks to a gutsy performance by freshman quarterback Arch Manning. Manning had been electric throughout the season, and his play in the CFP semifinal was nothing short of spectacular. His deep balls were on point, and his ability to read the defense showed maturity beyond his years. Despite Arizona State’s valiant efforts, which were bolstered by a strong offensive line and explosive plays from their top receiver, Texas proved too much, winning by a narrow margin.
What made this game so special was the high level of play from both teams. Arizona State’s ability to hang with the powerful Longhorns until the final whistle made this one of the most memorable games of the 2025 CFP. With Arch Manning’s rise to stardom and the offensive fireworks that ensued, the game stands out as one of the most thrilling playoff experiences.
2. Penn State vs. SMU (2025 CFP Quarterfinal)
When Penn State met SMU in the 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals, few expected this game to be as tightly contested as it was. SMU, while historically not a dominant program, had been quietly putting together an impressive season, capped off by an outstanding performance from their quarterback, Preston Stone. On the other hand, Penn State, led by their dynamic quarterback Drew Allar, had been one of the favorites to win the national championship.
The game, held at a neutral site, saw a fast-paced first half, with both offenses lighting up the scoreboard. Stone was on fire, connecting with his star receiver Jalen Knighton for a series of spectacular plays. Penn State’s defense, usually a strength, struggled to contain SMU’s balanced attack, and the game quickly turned into a shootout.
The second half saw Penn State’s defense step up, and with a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, they were able to pull ahead. Allar showed why he was one of the top quarterbacks in the country, orchestrating a late game-winning drive that included a crucial 4th-and-3 conversion with just minutes left on the clock.
This game was a testament to the unpredictability of the CFP, as SMU came within a whisker of pulling off an upset. It was also a showcase for Drew Allar, who proved that he was capable of leading his team to a national championship and earning a spot as one of the country’s best quarterbacks.
3. Alabama vs. Michigan (2024 CFP Final)
Alabama and Michigan have long been two of college football’s most successful programs, and their meeting in the 2024 CFP final was anticipated as one of the most high-stakes games in recent memory. The game lived up to the hype, with both teams showcasing their talent and fighting for the ultimate prize in college football.
The game was a classic battle of styles. Alabama boasted a high-powered offense led by Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, while Michigan’s defense, led by Jim Harbaugh, was one of the stingiest units in the country. Early on, it was clear that this would be a close, physical game.
The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading blows. Young connected with his star receiver Jermaine Burton for several explosive plays, while Michigan relied on their ground game, led by running back Blake Corum, to control the tempo. The game reached its peak in the final minutes, when Alabama mounted a dramatic drive to tie the game at the end of regulation.
In overtime, Alabama came through, thanks to a clutch play by Young, who led his team to the game-winning touchdown. The victory secured Alabama’s seventh national title under Nick Saban and solidified their place as one of the greatest programs in college football history.
This game was memorable not just for its thrilling finish, but also for the way both teams played at the highest level. The tactical chess match between the offensive prowess of Alabama and the defensive ingenuity of Michigan made this an unforgettable game.
4. Georgia vs. Oklahoma (2024 CFP Semifinal)
The 2024 CFP semifinal between Georgia and Oklahoma was another thrilling game that lived up to the expectations of a high-profile playoff matchup. Georgia, the reigning national champions, were looking to defend their title, while Oklahoma had been surging all season behind their star quarterback Dylan Gabriel.
The game featured a high-scoring affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals in the first half. Georgia’s defense, which had been so dominant throughout the season, was put to the test by Gabriel’s arm and Oklahoma’s wide receivers, who found success in the deep passing game. On the flip side, Georgia’s offense, led by the powerful Stetson Bennett, was just as lethal. The battle was titanic, with both teams showing why they deserved to be in the playoff conversation.
The final moments of the game saw Oklahoma with a chance to win. However, with the game tied and only seconds left, Georgia’s defense stepped up with a crucial stop in the red zone to send the game to overtime. In the extra period, Georgia’s offense proved to be too much, scoring quickly and ultimately advancing to the final with a narrow win.
This game was a classic example of how playoff football can bring out the best in teams. Georgia’s defense, one of the most feared units in college football, was tested like never before, while Oklahoma’s offense showed they could hang with the best. In the end, it was Georgia’s experience that prevailed, but this game will be remembered for its back-and-forth action.
5. Ohio State vs. Clemson (2024 CFP Quarterfinal)
The 2024 CFP quarterfinal between Ohio State and Clemson was one of the most thrilling matchups in the playoff’s history. With both programs boasting elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses, this game had all the makings of a classic.
Ohio State entered the game with one of the most potent offenses in the country, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while Clemson was buoyed by the leadership of DJ Uiagalelei, who had been sensational all season long.
The game featured a series of dramatic plays, from Stroud’s pinpoint throws to Smith-Njigba’s acrobatic catches to Uiagalelei’s fearless scrambling. Both teams traded touchdowns throughout the game, with each scoring in quick succession to keep the fans on the edge of their seats.
In the final minutes of the game, Ohio State pulled ahead with a clutch touchdown drive, capped off by a spectacular Stroud-to-Smith-Njigba connection. The game was sealed when Clemson’s last-ditch effort to score fell short, and Ohio State secured a dramatic victory.
This game was a showcase of the offensive firepower of both teams and the incredible talent at the quarterback position. It also demonstrated the emotional rollercoaster that is the College Football Playoff, with fans experiencing heart-stopping moments throughout.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff has brought fans some of the most thrilling and unforgettable games in college football history. From Texas-Arizona State to Penn State-SMU, these games have showcased the excitement, unpredictability, and high stakes that make the CFP such a special event. As the playoff continues to evolve and more teams enter the mix, there will undoubtedly be many more games to add to this list. But for now, these matchups remain some of the most exciting and memorable in recent college football history.
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